First Aid Kitty: Cute animal pictures are good for you

The next time your boss catches you looking at cute animal pictures online when you should be working, fret not!

The latest research by Japanese scientists has proven that looking at sweet pictures of kittens or puppies can help you perform better in the office — especially if your job involves careful focus or dexterity.

The reasons are still being investigated, but researchers believe these adorable images trip an emotional trigger in our brains that has evolved over years to help new parents feel warm and caring towards their babies.

Looking at cute animals can help you perform better at the office

But surf carefully — the same effects aren’t achieved by looking at pictures of adult dogs or cats, or, sadly, by search-ing for new shoes on Asos.